Romania and Ukraine have taken the first concrete steps toward a joint drone development and production project, following defense talks held in Bucharest. The initiative is supported by EUR 200 million in funding through the SAFE programme.<\/p>\n
Romanian defense minister Radu Miru\u021b\u0103 met with Sergiy Boyev, Ukraine\u2019s deputy defense minister for European integration, to explore future collaboration between the two countries\u2019 defense sectors, the Romanian ministry MApN announced<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n The discussions focused on the co-development and local production of drones, including possible technology transfer arrangements that would allow Romania to manufacture advanced systems domestically.<\/p>\n \u201cThe project benefits from EUR 200 million in funding through the SAFE programme, in co-production, and we want the Ministry of National Defense to be a central player in this collaboration, not just a beneficiary. That is why we are currently discussing how to set up a team dedicated exclusively to this project, with the contract expected to be signed by the end of May,\u201d said minister Miru\u021b\u0103.<\/p>\n \u201cOur country will benefit from Ukraine\u2019s experience gained on the battlefield, as well as from having access to the personnel and infrastructure needed to produce cutting-edge equipment when required. It will also be an advantage for Ukraine, as Romania\u2019s participation in the SAFE project will help finance drone production,\u201d the defense minister concluded.<\/p>\n Technical-level discussions will continue between companies and specialists from both countries. Around 15 Ukrainian drone manufacturers are presenting their technologies, as Romania evaluates how these solutions can meet the operational needs of its armed forces, the Ministry of Defense said.<\/p>\n\n